350 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



Hainniiition of tlie bladder sometimes complicates certain forms of influenza, 

 and attends tlie development of morbid growths. 



The symptoms are those of abdominal pain with frequent shifting of 

 the hind-feet. Urine is discharged in small quantities and often, and the 

 affected animal repeatedly extends himself as if to stale, without effecting 

 his purpose. The penis is unsheathed from time to time and again re- 

 tracted ; this symptom is particularly marked when the disturbance is caused 

 by cantharides or other sexual irritants. In mares the vulva is spasmodic- 

 ally everted from the same cause. If the bladder be pressed upon by pass- 

 ing the hand into the rectum the animal evinces pain by looking round 

 towards the flank. The urine is usually turbid or muddy, and may l)e 

 blood-stained. Unless relief is afforded, the pulse becomes quick and small, 

 the breathing accelerated, the mucous membrane of the eyes changes from 

 a pale pink to a brick-red hue. The countenance wears a pinched and 

 haggard expression, and general prostration becomes marked and severe. 



Treatment should be directed to subdue existing pain and render 

 the urine as little irritating to the inflamed organ as possible. With the 

 latter object bland soothing fluids, consisting of linseed tea, milk, barley- 

 water, and white of egg, should be given. The bowels must be freely 

 acted upon by a dose of aloes, and enemas of warm water, in which a 

 little extract of belladonna and glycerine has been dissolved, will require 

 to be administered two or three times a day. Nothing contributes so 

 much to the relief of the patient as to guard against the accumulation of 

 excrement in the posterior bowel. In some cases it is most desirable that 

 the bladder be washed out from time to time with a warm antiseptic solu- 

 tion, in the preparation of which carbolic acid or perchloride of mercury 

 will be found the most suitable agents. This, however, being an operation 

 requiring special knowledge, should not be attempted by an amateur. 



Small, repeated doses of belladonna will be found most useful in 

 reducing the pain and irritability of the diseased organ, and some relief 

 will also be afforded by hot cloths applied across the loins. 



Horses having once suffered from inflammation of the bladder are 

 liable to a recurrence of the disease, to avoid which they should be afforded 

 frequent opportunities to stale. 



RETENTION OF URINE 



Definition. — Partial or complete inability to expel urine from the 

 bladder by the usual natural method. 



Causes. — It is frequently due to spasmodic constriction of the neck 

 of the bladder, and may also be the result of mechanical obstruction in 



